Abstract: There is described an indicia reading terminal that can be operative to capture a succession of frames of image data and that can be operative so that a certain frame of the succession of frames is subject to quality evaluation processing where a result of the quality evaluation processing is responsive to one or more of an incidence and sharpness of edge representations of the frame of image data.

Abstract: An optical reader comprising: an image sensor array for converting light from a target into output signals representative thereof, the image sensor array having a centerline; a processor for decoding a machine readable symbology within the target derived from the output signals; receive optics for directing light from the target to the image sensor, the optics having a receive optics optical axis, wherein the image sensor array and receive optics are configured such that the centerline is not coincident with the optical axis.

Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: A method for operating an indicia reading terminal is provided wherein image information can be processed for determining a location of a decodable indicia representation for a certain frame of image data, the result of the processing can be utilized for determination of an imaging parameter, the imaging parameter can be utilized for capture of a subsequent frame and the subsequent frame can be subject to image processing.

Abstract: The invention features a system and method to automatically focus an image reader using a single frame of image data. The method comprises exposing sequentially a plurality of rows of pixels in the image sensor. The method further comprising varying in incremental steps the focus of the image reader's optical system from a first setting where a distinct image of objects located at a first distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor to a second setting where a distinct image of objects located at a second distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor. As part of the method, the varying of the focus of the optical system occurs during the exposure of the plurality of rows of pixels.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of receiving at the PEAD first digital data representing the transaction request. The PEAD provides information to the user regarding an ability to approve the transaction request. When the transaction request is approved by the user, the PEAD receives second digital data representing the electronic service authorization token. A remote agent server may provide a bridge between the electronic transaction system and the PEAD. In another embodiment, the private key is stored on the portable device, encrypted. The decryption key is stored outside of the device, at a trusted 3rd party location. When the user attempts to make a signature the software sends a request for the decryption key, along with the user's password or pass phrase keyed in at the keyboard of the PDA, smart phone, or cell phone, to a server belonging to the trusted 3rd party.

Abstract: A portable encoded information reading (EIR) terminal for incorporation in a data collection system having a host computer, a plurality of peer EIR terminals, and a plurality of interconnected networks including one or more wireless networks, can comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an encoded information reading (EIR) device configured to output raw message data containing an encoded message or decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message, and at least one wireless communication interface. The EIR terminal can provide IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless distribution system services, including association, disassociation, distribution, integration, and re-association, to the peer EIR terminals. The EIR terminal can be associated with a home network and have a home address belonging to the address range associated with the home network.

Abstract: A portable encoded information reading (EIR) terminal for incorporation in a data collection system can comprise a terminal module communicatively coupled to a wireless interface module via a wired interface. The terminal module can include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and an encoded information reading (EIR) device. The wireless interface module can include a microcontroller, a memory, and at least one wireless communication interface. The wireless interface module can establish one or more wireless links with one or more peer EIR terminals, to join a wireless network which is collectively formed by the peer EIR terminals. The wireless interface module can receive or transmit beacons containing at least an identifier of a path selection protocol which is used for unicast, multicast and broadcast frame transmission within the wireless network.

Abstract: A navigation system based on a web server that provides a client with a map of a destination having an associated dataform encoding an indication of the destination. A navigator is provided that includes a GPS receiver receiving signals from one or more satellites, a memory storing navigational data, a dataform reader that extracts a destination from the dataform, and a processor that calculates a route to the destination extracted by the dataform reader.

Abstract: An indicia reading terminal can include a multiple setting imaging lens assembly and an image sensor having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, an indicia reading terminal in an active reading state can cycle through a set of different lens settings, expose pixels of an image sensor array during an exposure period when each new lens setting is achieved, and attempt to decode decodable indicia represented in frames of image data captured corresponding to each exposure period. In one embodiment, movement of an imaging lens assembly lens element can be provided with use of a hollow stepper motor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for modifying the feature set of data collection devices are disclosed. Requests are receiving at a computer system different from the data collection device for a new configuration of the data collection device, the request including an identifier for the data collection device, identification of one or more features, and for each identified feature, an indication to modify the operation of a feature. The identifier may comprise an identifier that is unique for a particular data collection device or an indication of a group of devices. e.g. a model number. Prior to authorizing the new configuration, a determination may be made as to whether the identified data collection device(s) are suitable for the new configuration by consulting a configuration database. To implement the new configuration, an encoded authorization file is generated based on the requested configuration and the identifier of the data collection device(s).

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an indicia reading terminal that can execute a spatial measurement mode of operation in which the indicia reading terminal can determine a dimension of an article in a field of view of the indicia reading terminal and/or determine other spatial information. In determining a dimension of an article, an indicia reading terminal can utilize setup data determined in a setup mode of operation and/or data determined utilizing the setup data.

Abstract: There is described a decodable indicia reading terminal which in one embodiment can capture and process a certain (e.g., a first) and a subsequent (e.g., a second) frame of image data, wherein the certain and the subsequent frames have different imaging attributes. In one embodiment the attributes between certain and subsequent frames are differentiated in that the certain frame represents light incident on pixels of a first image sensor and the subsequent frame of image data represents light incident on pixels of a second image sensor spaced apart from the first image sensor. Additionally, or in the alternative, the attributes between certain and subsequent frames can be differentiated in that the first frame represents light incident on an image sensor under a first illumination profile and the subsequent frame represents light incident on pixels of an image sensor under a second illumination profile.

Abstract: An optical reading device for collecting and processing symbology data comprising: an image sensor array of pixels for converting light reflected from a target containing a machine readable indicia into output signals representative thereof, the image sensor being operated in a global shutter mode wherein all or substantially all of the pixels in the array are exposed simultaneously during an exposure time; receive optics for directing light from the target to the image sensor array, the optics having a receive optics optical axis; a processor for decoding the output signals; an illumination source for generating illumination light illuminating the target and illumination optics for directing the illumination light onto the target; a housing encapsulating the image sensor array, receive optics and illumination source; wherein the processor decodes in a first mode to continuously process available output signals automatically and a second mode to output signal in response to an activation event.

Abstract: A portable data terminal (PDT) adapted to participate in a wireless mesh network including a plurality of peer PDTs can comprise: a PDT module including an encoded information reading (EIR) device, and a mesh point (MP) module communicatively coupled to the PDT module. The MP module can include a microcontroller and at least one wireless communication interface and can be configured to perform IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless station services including authentication, de-authentication, privacy, and MAC service data unit delivery, and IEEE 802.11-conformant wireless distribution system services including association, disassociation, distribution, integration, and re-association. The MP module can be further configured, responsive to receiving a MAC frame addressed to a recipient inside the wireless mesh network, to deliver the MAC frame using the distribution service.

Abstract: Systems and methods for successfully decoding optical images of objects of interest when such objects are situated outside a conventional working range of an imaging system, or when such objects are degraded. The systems and methods are based upon a comparison of computed signals corresponding to distorted images that would be obtained from known objects, such as barcodes, when viewed outside a working range, or when degraded, with actual signals obtained from the object of interest. The computed signals in one embodiment are recorded in a lookup table. An advantage of the systems and methods disclosed is that there results a smooth, monotonic probability of correctly decoding the image of interest, even beyond the working distance. A handheld or portable apparatus useful for practicing the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a deformable lens element can be provided wherein a deformable lens element can be deformed to change an optical property thereof by the impartation of a force to the deformable lens element.

Abstract: A focus module containing a boundary element and a focus element. The focus element includes a fluid and a deformable membrane, with the fluid being entrapped between the boundary element and the deformable membrane. The focus module also includes a pressure element, which is capable of deforming the focus element by pressing on the deformable membrane in the direction of the boundary element.

Abstract: A TTR time of a reading apparatus can also be reduced by designing an apparatus to exhibit a certain timing relationship between a receipt of a trigger signal and/or more of image capture and decoding. An apparatus in one embodiment can be configured to continuously capture frames of image data prior to receipt of a trigger signal and can further be configured so that an output decoded message is decoded from a frame of image data having a capture initiation time of prior to the time of receipt of a trigger signal. An apparatus configured to output a decoded message from a frame of image data having a capture initiation time of prior to a time of receipt of a trigger signal can have a TTR time of less than a frame capture period of the apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an indicia reading apparatus with enhanced functionality which can filter image data prior to the capture of image data into an image frame memory for further processing. In one aspect the indicia reading apparatus can have an image sensing and processing circuit that can contemporaneously output, on respective first and second interfaces, both filtered and raw pixel values so that both filtered and raw frames of image data can be captured contemporaneously for further processing. Filtered and raw frames of image data or pixel values can also be serially output through a single interface in an interleaved manner. An image sensing and processing circuit which outputs either or both raw and filtered pixel values can be provided on a single integrated circuit.